Major(s)/minor(s): Biology and Chemistry
Graduation year: 2021
Employer name and title: Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine, Medical Student

What interested you in your declared major/minor?
Through my high school electives, I discovered my passion for human biology. Following graduation, I began my college career contemplating between pursuing pharmacy school and medical school. For one of my Pre-Pharmacy classes at Butler, I shadowed a pharmacist to gain exposure to the day-to-day life of a clinical pharmacist. Following that experience, I shadowed a physician to compare the two fields. 

Ultimately, a year and a half into college, I fully committed to medicine because it was the right pick for me. I chose Biology as my major because it aligned well with both my interests as well as the topics covered in medical school. I even took a couple of classes outside of my Biology major requirements, such as Anatomy, since they covered topics that were necessary for the MCAT. Pushing myself to take some classes that were more challenging than others has proven to be extremely helpful in my professional school journey. Due to the exposure I had to these topics in my undergraduate coursework, they don’t seem quite as challenging the second time around.

What experiential-focused opportunities did you have with your declared major/minor?
I was involved in a few extra-curricular activities throughout my four years. I was involved in the Interfaith Council, Muslim Student Association, and research with one of my Biology professors, Dr. Bethrong. Besides these on-campus experiences, I also volunteered at a local blood bank, food pantry, and a free healthcare clinic serving minority individuals in the community. Not all these opportunities were science-related or essential to my major, but they aided my professional development and skill set to establish myself as a well-rounded applicant when applying to programs and preparing for life in graduate school.

What do you do in your current position and how did Butler prepare you for it?
Currently, I am a first-year medical student at IU School of Medicine. My Butler science courses prepared me to excel. I gained a better understanding of the topics covered when studying for the MCAT and medical school. Additionally, the classes I took challenged me to improve my studying strategies and acknowledge when something isn’t working. My professors were a great help. Butler faculty are open to assisting and guiding you as a student, so take advantage of office hours and the few minutes after class to clarify any concepts you’re struggling with.

What are your long-term career goals?
In the future, I hope to graduate from IU School of Medicine and match into my residency program of choice for further training. As of now, I am unsure what medical specialty I want to pursue, but I plan to reach that decision as I gain further exposure to each specialty during my clinical rotations. Ultimately, I aim to provide patient-centered care and establish an environment where my patients feel heard and appreciated, especially those who belong to underserved and minority populations.

What advice would you give a first-year student as you reflect back on your experience at Butler?
As a first-year student, I think it is vital to have your priorities set. For my field of choice, academics and extracurricular activities are critical for admission into medical school. I always kept this in mind to prevent myself from overcommitting. My grades always came first. When I felt I had adjusted to the rhythm of the curriculum, I then added more to my plate. Everyone is working on their own timeline, and it is best not to compare yourself and your journey. There is more than one way to accomplish a goal!

The first year is a rollercoaster of emotions. It may not seem like it, but everyone is going through the same waves of emotions, and you’re not alone. At the end of the day, remember to have fun and push yourself out of your comfort zone to pursue new experiences and create memories!